Tag Archives: Associates Degree in Dental Hygiene Angoon AK 99820

How to Enroll In a Dental Hygienist School near Angoon Alaska

Picking the right dental hygienist program near Angoon AK is an essential initial step toward launching your new career in dentistry. But prior to making your selection, you need to analyze and compare your school options. There is much more to completing your due diligence than selecting the program with the most affordable tuition or enrolling in the program that is closest to your home. There are other crucial issues to consider as well, including the school’s accreditation and reputation. Your initial step is to decide which of the two specializations you are most interested in getting training for, which may depend on the amount of time and money that you have to commit. The most common dental assistant program generally takes about 12 months to complete for a certificate or diploma. However, dental hygienists usually earn an Associate Degree, which can take anywhere from two to three years to finish. Obviously with the lengthier training of a dental hygienist comes more cost. We will explore all of these concerns and supplemental questions that you should be asking the programs you are analyzing later in this article. But first, let’s explore the duties of both dental hygienists and assistants and the training options available.

The Duties of Dental Hygienists

When comparing the duties of a dental hygienist to that of an assistant, the biggest difference is probably that the dental hygienist works more independently. As earlier discussed, the dental assistant works with and in support of the dentists and the practice. Hygienists, while also assisting the Angoon AK practice, deal with the patients more on a one-to-one basis. They are usually the initial person a patient interacts with when called from the waiting room. They examine every patient’s teeth and gums and report their results to the dentists. They may also carry out basic procedures. Depending on state law, a hygienist’s responsibilities can include:

Removing stains, tartar and plaque

Applying fluoride treatments

Applying sealants and polishing teeth

Teaching patients regarding oral care

Taking and developing X-rays

Removing sutures and applying fillings

In order to be licensed in nearly all states, dental hygienists must graduate from a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited dental hygiene program. They also must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene Exam as well as any state licensing exams. When they have completed these requirements they are deemed fully licensed and may add the “RDH” designation to their names, standing for Registered Dental Hygienist.

The Function of Dental Assistants

Dental assistants are an essential part of any Angoon AK dental practice and can perform a myriad of functions. Their primary job description is to furnish assistance to the dentists and the administrative staff. Or simply put, to help keep the practice operating efficiently. Some dental assistants choose to specialize and obtain certification in a particular area, for example orthodontics. However the majority of assistants carry out any job that they are called upon to complete, such as:

Setting and confirming appointments

Readying patients for teeth treatments and cleanings

Preparing and sterilizing instruments for dentists

Clearing patients’ mouths with suction equipment

Handing instruments to dentists during procedures

Preparing X-ray machines and processing X-rays

Purchasing dental and office supplies

Certification and licensing requirements for dental assistants deviate by state, so consult with the Alaska dental board for your state’s policies. Assistants handling X-ray machines most likely will have to be licensed and certified. Most dental assistants who are either required or choose to become certified take the Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) examination provided by the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB).

Dental Hygienist and Assistant Training Options

Dental assistant programs are offered at Angoon AK area community colleges along with vocational or technical schools. The most typical credential acquired is the certificate, which usually takes about a year to finish. There are less Associate Degree programs available, and they furnish a more comprehensive education, incorporating general subjects in addition to the dental assisting courses. Because of the increased responsibility in contrast to an assistant, dental hygienists working in dental offices are normally required to have an Associate Degree in dental hygiene. These programs can take anywhere from 2 to as long as 3 years to finish and must be accredited by the CDA in nearly every state. They are also offered in Angoon AK area trade schools and community colleges. Whether you are pursuing training as a dental assistant or hygienist, there will be a clinical aspect to the training also. A number of programs also offer internships with local dentists or dental practices.

Dental Hygienist Online Training Programs

Enrolling in an online dental hygienist school might be a viable alternative for receiving your training. Just keep in mind that the program will not be 100% online, since there will be a clinical component to your training. But the remainder of your classes will be accessible via your personal computer in the comfort of your Angoon AK home or elsewhere on your tablet or laptop. For those working while going to school, online dental classes make education far more accessible. Some may even offer lower tuition costs than their on-campus counterparts. And supplementary expenses for items like books, school supplies and commuting may be reduced also. The practical training can typically be performed at a community dental practice or in an on-campus lab. With both the online and clinical training, everything needed to obtain the appropriate education is furnished. If you have the discipline for this style of education, you may find that attending an dental hygienist online program is the ideal choice for you.

Issues to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools

Once you have picked the dental specialty and kind of credential you wish to earn, you can start the process of comparing Alaska schools and programs. As we discussed at the opening of this article, a number of students begin by checking out the cost and the location of the colleges. Perhaps they look for some online options also. Even though these may be relevant initial points to consider, there are several additional questions that you should ask of the Angoon AK area programs you are looking at in order to reach an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and ultimate selection of the ideal dental hygienist school for you.

Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are many important reasons why you should only pick an accredited dental hygienist school. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a requirement in virtually all states. To qualify to take the Certified Dental Assistant examination, your dental college must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps guarantee that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. Employers in Angoon AK typically prefer or require that job applicants are graduates of accredited schools. And finally, if you are applying for a student loan or financial aid, usually they are not offered for non-accredited Alaska programs.

Is The Right Dental Program Offered? You can elect to train to become a dental assistant or a dental hygienist, just confirm that the Alaska school you decide on has the program that’s right for you. For the assistant program, the alternatives are to earn either a certificate or an Associate Degree. In order to work as a hygienist, most Angoon AK dental offices require an Associate Degree in dental hygiene. More advanced degrees, although not common, are offered. However, keep in mind that just because a college has an excellent reputation as well as accreditation does not mean each one of its programs do as well. For example, an accredited college may have a strong accredited dental assistant program, but could have a weaker or non-accredited hygienist program. So if you are primarily interested in a dental hygiene degree, obviously it would not be the right school for you.

Is Adequate Clinical Training Provided? Clinical or practical training is a vital part of every dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. A number of dental programs have relationships with area dental practices and clinics that furnish practical training for their students. It’s not only important that the program you enroll in offers sufficient clinical hours but also provides them in the kind of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, verify that the Angoon AK college you select offers clinical rotation in an area dental office that specializes in dental services for children.

Is There an Internship Program? Ask if the dental colleges you are exploring have internship programs. Internships are undoubtedly the ideal way to obtain hands-on, practical experience in a professional Angoon AK dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students form professional relationships in the local dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.

Is Job Placement Support Furnished? Most students that have graduated from dental hygiene programs need help obtaining their first job. Find out if the schools you are considering have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Schools with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the Angoon AK dental profession in addition to broad networks of contacts where they can refer their students for employment or internships.

Are the Classrooms Small? Ask the Alaska colleges you are looking at how big on average their classrooms are. The smaller classes generally provide a more personal setting for training where students have greater access to the instructors. On the other hand, larger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little one-on-one instruction. If feasible, find out if you can monitor a couple of classes at the college that you are leaning toward in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between instructors and students before enrolling.

What is the Entire Expense of the Program? Dental hygiene colleges can fluctuate in cost based on the length of the program and the amount of practical training provided. Other variables, for example the reputations of the colleges and if they are private or public also have an impact. But in addition to the tuition there are other substantial costs which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when analyzing the cost of schools, don’t forget to include all of the expenses associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance offices, so be sure to check out what is available as far as grants, loans and scholarships in Angoon AK.

Are the Classes Accessible? Before selecting a dental college, you need to make sure that the hygienist program provides classes that suit your schedule. This is particularly true if you will be working while getting your education and need to attend classes near your Angoon AK home at nights or on weekends. And even if you enroll in an online school, you will still have to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up procedure is if you should need to miss any classes due to illness, work or family responsibilities.

Why Did You Desire to Be a Dental Hygienist?

When preparing to interview for a Dental Hygienist job, it's helpful to reflect on questions you could be asked. Among the things that hiring managers typically ask Dental Hygiene prospects is "What made you pick Hygiene as a career?". What the interviewer is attempting to discover is not just the personal reasons you might have for being a Dental Hygienist, but also what attributes and talents you possess that make you exceptional at your profession. You will probably be asked questions relating exclusively to Hygiene, along with a significant number of standard interview questions, so you should ready some strategies about how you want to address them. Because there are several factors that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this fundamental question in a variety of ways. When preparing an answer, attempt to include the reasons the work appeals to you in addition to the talents you possess that make you an excellent Dental Hygienist and the leading choice for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but write down some concepts and anecdotes that pertain to your personal experiences and strengths. Going over sample answers can assist you to prepare your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Ideal Dental Hygienist Program near Angoon AK

Selecting the ideal dental hygienist course is imperative if you want to take the CDA examination or, if required in your state, become licensed. As you now know, there are many options available to obtain your training and it takes a fairly short period of time to become a dental hygienist. You can acquire your formal education through dental programs at junior colleges, vocational schools, technical institutes and trade schools. Graduates of these programs typically obtain an Associate Degree. Dental Hygienists generally require about 2 years of studies before they enter the work force. When earning a degree you can elect to go to classes online or on-campus. Whichever mode of education or credential you choose to pursue, by asking the questions presented in this article you will be in a better position to make the appropriate choice. And by doing so, you will be ready to begin your journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in Angoon AK.

A Bit About Angoon Alaska

Hoonah–Angoon Census Area, Alaska

Hoonah-Angoon Census Area is a census area located in the U.S. state of Alaska. As of the 2010 census, the population was 2,150.[2] It is part of the unorganized borough and therefore has no borough seat. Its largest community is the city of Hoonah.

The census area was significantly larger in the 1990 census, at which time it was the Skagway-Yakutat-Angoon Census Area. After Yakutat was incorporated as a unified city-borough[dubious – discuss] on September 22, 1992, it was renamed Skagway-Hoonah-Angoon Census Area;[3] When Skagway followed suit on June 20, 2007,[4][5] the census area assumed its current name.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the census area has a total area of 10,914 square miles (28,270 km2), of which 7,525 square miles (19,490 km2) is land and 3,389 square miles (8,780 km2) (31.1%) is water.[6] A map showing its current boundaries is shown here:[7]

As of the census[10] of 2000, there were 3,436 people, 1,369 households, and 866 families residing in the census area. The population density was 0.30 people per square mile (0.12/km²). There are 2,108 housing units. The racial makeup of the census area was 58.15% White, 0.15% Black or African American, 35.01% Native American, 0.38% Asian, 0.15% Pacific Islander, 0.96% from other races, and 5.21% from two or more races. 2.82% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. 3.95% reported speaking Tlingit at home, while 1.83% speak Spanish [1].